Phooka Also known as: Pucas, Pwcas, Phoukas, Pucks, Pooks, Pookas, Goat-Heads. These black Goblins share some common ground with other shape-shifting Bogies, however they are more likely to operate in packs, particularly in Ireland (though they are highly quarrelsome amongst themselves). They are especially keen shape-shifters and will readily assume the form of goats, bulls, pigs, donkeys, horses, ponies, dogs, bats and even eagles. A common Phooka trick, executed in whatever form, is to toss weary pilgrims onto their backs and deposit them unceremoniously into a puddle, hedge or pile of dirt after first treating them to a terrifyingly wild ride. At times the Phookas will also occupy themselves by robbery, abducting children, spreading disease, blighting fruit and crops (by spitting or urinating on them) and at times by sometimes causing the sudden death of farm animals. The Phookas of Ulster are reputedly more malign than those of their kind found elsewhere. On seldom occasion solitary Phooka may also be encountered in parts of Wales. Text and Image adapted from ~ Strange Lands: A Field Guide to the Celtic Otherworld © Andy Paciorek
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:54:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015